San Francisco 49ers WR Stevie Johnson is expected to be released this offseason, according to sources. The 49ers would save $5.5 million in salary cap space.

Huddle Up: If Johnson departs and the Niners are unable to re-sign Michael Crabtree, it's all but assured they'll use their mid-first round selection to address the wide receiver position. Either that or they're fully committing to Colin Kaepernick running the option and not throwing much at all.

Posted: 2/18/2015 9:25am et

San Francisco 49ers WR Stevie Johnson might be a clear starting candidate for the 2015 season if impending free-agents WR Anquan Boldin and/or WR Michael Crabtree are not brought back. Johnson stands to count a little more than $6 million against the salary cap. It is unknown if the team feels that cost is too steep.

Huddle Up: Johnson starting makes sense if Crabtree leaves via free agency, but with the coaching changes primarily in-house it's not as if the 49ers will suddenly become a pass-heavy offense. Starter or not, Johnson's fantasy impact will be held in check by the San Francisco game plan.

Posted: 8/26/2014 12:13am et

San Francisco 49ers WR Stevie Johnson has a very good chance to make the 53-man roster, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Huddle Up: While Johnson has caught only 2 of his 5 targets for 11 yards in 3 games this preseason, he gives the Niners a veteran option behind starters Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. That said, if Boldin and Crabtree stay healthy, Johnson will have a minimum fantasy impact at best and won't be useful outside the deepest of leagues.

Posted: 7/23/2014 10:01pm et

San Francisco 49ers WR Stevie Johnson (hamstring) passed his physical and has been cleared to practice Thursday, July 23.

Huddle Up: Johnson will be battling for a role in the 49ers receiver rotation; that he's been cleared to practice means that at least he won't be starting behind the others in the competition.

Posted: 6/27/2014 12:36am et

San Francisco 49ers WR Stevie Johnson needs to have a good camp to justify the team awarding him the No. 3 wide receiver position, in the opinion of Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.

Huddle Up: Johnson is only one injury-addled year removed from a run of three straight seasons with at least 76 receptions, 1,004 yards and 6 TDs in Buffalo so a fresh start sparking a return to form certainly isn't out of the question.

Posted: 5/9/2014 4:11pm et

The Buffalo Bills traded WR Stevie Johnson to the San Francisco 49ers for a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Huddle Up: With the addition of Sammy Watkins, Johnson became expendable in Buffalo. The Niners have plenty of need for a productive receiver, and for the low low cost of a fourth-round pick they have one in the veteran Johnson.

Posted: 5/8/2014 10:28pm et

The Buffalo Bills likely will place WR Stevie Johnson on the trade block after they selected WR Sammy Watkins in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Huddle Up: Hampered by injuries, Johnson hit a 4-year low with 52 catches, 597 yards and 3 TDs this past season and clearly becomes expendable with the Bills' young WR corps, headed up by Watkins and 2013 2nd-round pick Robert Woods.

Posted: 3/10/2014 2:13pm et

Buffalo Bills WR Stevie Johnson is due a $1.75 million roster bonus Saturday, March 15.

Huddle Up: Johnson's production trailed off dramatically last season, and the Bills were pleased with the progress of rookie wideouts Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin. If Buffalo intends to move beyond Stevie, prior to shelling out $1.75 mil would be a good time to do so.